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More must be done to
strengthen our sex offender laws
By Rep. Barbara Bailey
The 2008 legislative
session ended March 13. While progress was made this year, more must be
done to strengthen our sex offender laws.
First, the good news.
House Bill 2713 will expand the state DNA database to include
information from persons required to register as sex or kidnapping
offenders. It will also include information from persons convicted of
certain gross misdemeanors and misdemeanors – for example, patronizing a
prostitute, sexual misconduct with a minor in the second degree, and
violation of sexual assault protection orders.
DNA identification is vital to not only convicting criminals, but
exonerating the innocent.
Another measure, House Bill 2786, will require the Washington
Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs to include on its statewide
sex offender Web site all Level I sex offenders who are out of
compliance with their registration obligations.
While both bills were steps forward, the majority party and governor
missed some opportunities this year.
In October, I sent a public safety district survey to constituents and
the response was amazing. Nearly 1,100 people shared their opinions, and
this helped shaped my views on solutions.
First, 88 percent of respondents said they believe electronic
monitoring, or GPS tracking devices, should be placed on all Level III
sex offenders, and criminals convicted of felony sex offenses against
minors.
A measure I co-sponsored would have required GPS monitoring of Level III
sex offenders, sex offenders who have registered as transient and sex
offenders with a prior conviction for failure to register.
Unfortunately, this legislation did not move forward.
Second, 92 percent of respondents indicated that sex offenders who
violate the conditions of their releases should receive mandatory
minimum one-year prison sentences.
Another measure I co-sponsored would have increased the penalty for sex
offenders who fail to register. This would ensure sex offenders spend at
least one year in prison upon conviction for first and any subsequent
convictions for failure to register. Again, this legislation did not
move forward.
Other measures I supported would have:
• required sex offenders to disclose certain Internet
activities;
• provided new tools to community corrections officers
to better supervise sex offenders;
• required sex offenders subject to deportation to be
released to federal authorities; and
• assisted federal authorities in the enforcement of
immigration laws applicable to certain sex offenders.
I am also concerned about the statute of limitations on sex crimes.
These horrific acts impact victims for a lifetime, and the criminals who
commit them should know that they will face justice.
It is clear we need comprehensive, not incremental, change to our sex
offender laws. I hope you will join me in working toward this outcome. I
always look forward to the help and input of those to whom I am so
fortunate to represent.
State Rep. Barbara Bailey, R-Oak Harbor, represents the 10th Legislative
District.
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